It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this Grand Valley State University Orchestra site. I hope that you will browse the entire site and learn more about our exciting ensembles. Our concerts are free and open to the public and we know that you will be enriched by listening to them. Henry Duitman

Henry Duitman joined the GVSU Music Department in the fall of 2008. With the orchestra he has initiated a yearly Side-by-Side Concert with outstanding Michigan high school orchestras and String Leadership Day which allows excellent high school and college students to collaborate with faculty and members of the Grand Rapids Symphony.

Besides the 70 member Symphony Orchestra, other string ensembles at Grand Valley State University include the Chamber Orchestra, a select group of the finest string and wind players. In addition to performing at concerts, this ensemble provides music for university and community events. Recently they performed in London, UK in May of 2013.

Each year a few of the finest players perform with the highly-regarded GVSU New Music Ensemble led by Professor Bill Ryan. Those with an interest in Early Music may perform on authentic Baroque instruments in the Early Music Ensemble led by Professor Pablo Mahave-Veglia.

The Faculty String Trio consists of Artist-Faculty members, Gregory Maytan, Paul Swantek, and Pablo Mahave-Veglia. During the last four years this versatile ensemble has visited several dozen high schools throughout the state of Michigan, providing mini-concerts and coaching sessions for string orchestras and quartets. Directors may contact Henry Duitman to schedule this free service at their school.